al-Qanatir: International Journal of Islamic Studies

CHALLENGES OF ZAKAT DA‘WAH IMPLEMENTATION AT PPZ-MAIWP

Nur Nazira Rahim — 2026-06-28

Zakat da'wah plays a significant role in enhancing Muslims understanding and awareness of their obligation to pay zakat. However, its implementation faces various challenges that may affect the effectiveness of da'wah initiatives. Therefore, this study aims to identify the major challenges in the implementation of zakat da'wah by the Federal Territory Islamic Religious Council Zakat Collection Centre (PPZ-MAIWP). A qualitative approach was employed through semi-structured interviews involving informants directly engaged in the management and implementation of zakat da'wah activities within PPZ-MAIWP. The collected data were analysed using thematic analysis. The findings revealed five major challenges in the implementation of zakat da'wah: limited public awareness and understanding of zakat obligations, sceptical perceptions regarding the transparency and credibility of zakat institutions, competition from digital media content that attracts greater public attention, economic factors affecting individuals' ability to fulfil their zakat obligations, and limitations in the enforcement of zakat-related laws. These challenges indicate that the effectiveness of zakat da'wah is influenced not only by communication efforts but also by social, economic, technological, and legal factors. The study recommends strengthening digital communication strategies, enhancing institutional transparency, and expanding strategic collaborations with relevant stakeholders to improve the effectiveness of zakat da'wah initiatives. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by zakat institutions and provides useful insights for developing more effective zakat da'wah strategies in the future.

Abstrak

Dakwah zakat memainkan peranan penting dalam meningkatkan kefahaman dan kesedaran masyarakat Islam terhadap kewajipan berzakat. Namun, pelaksanaannya berdepan pelbagai cabaran yang boleh menjejaskan keberkesanan penyampaian mesej dakwah. Justeru, kajian ini bertujuan mengenal pasti cabaran utama dalam pelaksanaan dakwah zakat oleh Pusat Pungutan Zakat Majlis Agama Islam Wilayah Persekutuan (PPZ-MAIWP). Kajian ini menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif melalui temu bual separa berstruktur yang melibatkan informan daripada PPZ-MAIWP yang terlibat secara langsung dalam pengurusan dan pelaksanaan aktiviti dakwah zakat. Data yang diperoleh dianalisis menggunakan kaedah analisis tematik. Dapatan kajian mengenal pasti lima cabaran utama dalam pelaksanaan dakwah zakat, iaitu tahap kesedaran dan kefahaman masyarakat yang masih tidak menyeluruh, persepsi skeptikal terhadap ketelusan dan kredibiliti institusi zakat, persaingan dengan pelbagai kandungan digital yang lebih menarik perhatian masyarakat, faktor ekonomi yang mempengaruhi keupayaan individu untuk menunaikan zakat, serta kekangan penguatkuasaan undang-undang berkaitan zakat. Cabaran-cabaran ini menunjukkan bahawa keberkesanan dakwah zakat bukan sahaja bergantung kepada penyampaian maklumat, tetapi turut dipengaruhi oleh faktor sosial, ekonomi, teknologi dan perundangan. Kajian ini mencadangkan agar PPZ-MAIWP memperkukuh strategi komunikasi digital, meningkatkan ketelusan institusi serta memperluas kerjasama strategik dengan pelbagai pihak bagi meningkatkan keberkesanan dakwah zakat. Kajian ini menyumbang kepada pemahaman yang lebih mendalam mengenai cabaran pelaksanaan dakwah zakat dan boleh dijadikan rujukan dalam pembangunan strategi dakwah institusi zakat pada masa hadapan.

SYNTHESISING QUANTITATIVE APPROACHES TO CONDITIONAL CASH TRANSFER IMPACT EVALUATION: IMPLICATIONS FOR THE DESIGN OF ZAKAT DISTRIBUTION PROGRAMMES

Mohd Suffian Mohamed Esa — 2026-06-28

Despite the widespread adoption of Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) programmes in poverty alleviation initiatives, existing research has primarily focused on impact evaluation rather than the development and validation of behaviour conditionality as a measurable construct. This represents a significant gap, particularly in the context of zakat distribution, where CCT mechanisms remain largely underdeveloped. Therefore, this study examines the quantitative methodological approaches employed in CCT evaluations and identifies methodological gaps relevant to the development of a zakat-based CCT instrument. A systematic literature review was conducted using the Scopus and Web of Science databases, covering empirical studies published between 2018 and 2025. A total of 46 studies were analysed, with particular attention given to quantitative designs such as randomized controlled trials (RCTs), difference-in-differences (DiD), and propensity score matching (PSM). The findings reveal that most studies relied on causal inference techniques to estimate programme impacts through comparisons between beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries or by examining changes over time. However, the measurement and validation of behaviour conditionality received limited attention, highlighting a critical methodological gap in the literature. To address this limitation, the study proposes Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) as an appropriate approach for construct validation prior to programme implementation. This study contributes to the literature by shifting the methodological focus from outcome evaluation to construct development in CCT programmes within the context of zakat distribution. It further emphasises the need for theory-driven and empirically validated behaviour conditionality instruments to strengthen programme design and effectiveness. The findings provide practical guidance for zakat institutions and policymakers on the importance of developing structured CCT instruments to address poverty among asnaf populations. Overall, this study identifies a critical methodological gap and establishes a systematic foundation for the future development and evaluation of CCT programmes in zakat distribution.

Abstrak

Sungguhpun program Bantuan Tunai Bersyarat (Conditional Cash Transfer, CCT) digunakan secara meluas dalam program pembasmian kemiskinan, kajian sedia ada lebih menumpukan kepada penilaian impak berbanding pembangunan dan pengesahan syarat tingkah laku (behaviour conditionality) sebagai konstruk yang boleh diukur. Ia merupakan jurang yang amat signifikan dalam konteks agihan zakat di mana mekanisme CCT masih belum dibangunkan secara langsung. Justeru, kajian ini meneliti pendekatan metodologi kuantitatif yang digunakan dalam penilaian CCT serta mengenal pasti jurang metodologi yang relevan untuk pembangunan instrumen CCT berasaskan zakat. Kajian ini menggunakan pendekatan tinjauan sistematik berdasarkan pangkalan data Scopus dan Web of Science, melibatkan kajian empirikal yang diterbitkan bagi tempoh 2018 hingga 2025. Sebanyak 46 kajian dianalisis, dengan penekanan kepada reka bentuk kuantitatif seperti percubaan terkawal rawak (randomized controlled trials, RCT), perbezaan dalam perbezaan (difference-in-differences, DiD), dan padanan skor kecenderungan (propensity score matching, PSM). Dapatan menunjukkan bahawa kebanyakan kajian menggunakan kaedah inferens kausal bagi menganggarkan impak program melalui perbandingan antara penerima dan bukan penerima atau melalui analisis perubahan merentas masa. Walau bagaimanapun, aspek pengukuran dan pengesahan syarat tingkah laku masih kurang dibangunkan sekali gus menunjukkan kewujudan jurang metodologi yang kritikal. Kajian ini turut mencadangkan penggunaan Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) sebagai pendekatan yang sesuai untuk pengesahan konstruk sebelum pelaksanaan program. Kajian ini menyumbang kepada literatur dengan mengalihkan fokus metodologi daripada penilaian hasil kepada pembangunan konstruk bagi program CCT dalam pengagihan zakat serta menekankan keperluan kerangka instrumen syarat tingkah laku yang berasaskan teori dan disahkan secara empirikal. Selain itu, kajian ini memberikan panduan kepada institusi zakat dan pembuat dasar mengenai kepentingan pembangunan instrumen CCT bagi menyelesaikan masalah kemiskinan asnaf. Secara keseluruhan, kajian ini mengenal pasti jurang metodologi yang kritikal dan menyediakan asas yang sistematik bagi pembangunan serta penilaian masa hadapan program CCT dalam pengagihan zakat.

BATINIYYAH-RESEMBLING DOCTRINE IN THE AHMADI RELIGION OF PEACE AND LIGHT (AROPL): AN ANALYSIS THROUGH AL-GHAZĀLĪ’S FAḌĀ’IḤ AL-BĀṬINIYYAH FRAMEWORK

Muhammad Zubair Abd Halim — 2026-06-28

The emergence of new religious movements that claim esoteric authority and promote allegorical interpretations of revealed texts continues to challenge Islamic theological discourse. One contemporary phenomenon that has attracted scholarly attention is the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light (AROPL), led by Abdullah Hashem and grounded in the text The Goal of the Wise. Although it is often classified as a new religious movement from a sociological perspective, in-depth analysis of its internal doctrinal structure and theological implications remains limited. This study aims to evaluate the teachings of AROPL using the critical framework developed by Imam al-Ghazālī against the Bāṭiniyyah in his work Faḍā’iḥ al-Bāṭiniyyah, in order to determine whether AROPL represents a continuation of esoteric doctrinal patterns in a modern form. A qualitative approach based on textual analysis and theological comparison is employed, with Faḍā’iḥ al-Bāṭiniyyah serving as the analytical framework and The Goal of the Wise as the primary text. The analysis is conducted at both the level of general characteristics (al-jumlah) and detailed exposition (al-tafṣīl), covering the domains of Ilāhiyyāt (theology), Nubuwwāt (prophethood), Imāmah (leadership), Ma‘ād (eschatology), and Taklīf Syar‘ī (legal obligation). The findings indicate that Abdullah Hashem’s teachings exhibit significant structural parallels with the Bāṭiniyyah patterns critiqued by al-Ghazālī, while the differences observed are largely external and contextual. This study affirms that al-Ghazālī’s critique of the Bāṭiniyyah remains relevant as a framework for analysing contemporary religious phenomena.

Abstrak

Kemunculan gerakan keagamaan baharu yang menampilkan dakwaan autoriti batin dan pentakwilan tersirat terhadap teks wahyu terus mencabar wacana teologi Islam. Antara fenomena kontemporari yang mendapat perhatian ialah The Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light (AROPL) yang dipimpin oleh Abdullah Hashem dan berteraskan kitab The Goal of the Wise. Walaupun sering dilabel sebagai gerakan agama baharu dari sudut sosiologi, penelitian terhadap struktur dalaman ajaran dan implikasi teologinya masih terbatas. Kajian ini bertujuan menilai ajaran AROPL menggunakan kerangka kritikan Imam al-Ghazālī terhadap Bāṭiniyyah dalam karyanya Faḍā’iḥ al-Bāṭiniyyah bagi menentukan sama ada AROPL mewakili kesinambungan pola ajaran batiniah dalam bentuk moden ataupun tidak. Pendekatan kualitatif berasaskan analisis teks dan perbandingan teologi digunakan, dengan Faḍā’iḥ al-Bāṭiniyyah sebagai kerangka analisis dan The Goal of the Wise sebagai teks primer. Analisis dijalankan pada peringkat ciri-ciri umum (al-jumlah) dan perincian khusus (al-tafṣīl) meliputi aspek Ilāhiyyāt, Nubuwwāt, Imāmah, Ma‘ād dan Taklīf Syar‘ī. Dapatan menunjukkan bahawa ajaran Abdullah Hashem memperlihatkan kesepadanan struktur yang signifikan dengan pola Bāṭiniyyah yang dikritik oleh al-Ghazālī, manakala perbezaan yang wujud lebih bersifat luaran dan kontekstual. Kajian ini menegaskan bahawa kritikan al-Ghazālī terhadap Bāṭiniyyah kekal relevan sebagai kerangka menilai fenomena keagamaan kontemporari.

WEB-BASED DISCLOSURE REPORTING OF AMIL ZAKAT IN HIGHER LEARNING INSTITUTIONS (HLI)

Rohayu Yusop — 2026-06-28

This study examines the role of Higher Learning Institutions (HLIs) designated as amil zakāt entities in Malaysia, focusing on their accountability and transparency in managing zakāt funds through web-based disclosures. A disclosure index covering financial, performance, and political accountability dimensions was developed. Data were collected from the official websites and social media platforms (Facebook and Instagram) of 17 HLIs appointed as amil zakāt by Lembaga Zakāt Selangor (LZS). The findings indicate generally low levels of disclosure across the sampled institutions, particularly in financial and political accountability dimensions. Insufficient reporting practices weaken stakeholder trust and undermine institutional credibility. This study contributes to the limited literature on Islamic accountability and web-based disclosure in the context of zakāt fund management by HLIs. It highlights the pressing need for more transparent practices that align with the principles of Islamic accountability and the maqasid al-shariah. The study is limited to HLIs under the jurisdiction of LZS and relies on publicly available online information, which may not fully capture internal accountability mechanisms. Enhancing online disclosure practices could strengthen donors’ confidence, reinforce HLIs’ credibility and support their role in sustainable educational development through zakāt funding.

MUSLIM SCHOLARS VIEWS ON ART AND AESTHETICS IN ISLAM: A COMPARATIVE STUDY

Irham Zulhilmi Mohd Johan — 2026-06-28

Art and aesthetic is more than just drawings of lines on paper. Art especially in Islam revolves around the concept of beauty, faith and Tawhid, embodiment to Allah SWT as the creator of His vast beautiful creations. Art in Islam also has been discussed by many Muslim scholars such as al-Farabi, al-Ghazali, Ismail al-Faruqi and Seyyed Hossein Nasr. There are three objectives of this study. Firstly, this research aims to identify the opinions on art and Islamic thought, elements, values or manifestations from several Muslim scholars. Secondly, this research aims to analyze the comparisons of views and opinions of art and aesthetics in Islam from the Muslim scholars. Finally, this research aims to explore the similar values and theories regarding art and aesthetics from these scholars in order to find unity from these opinions and views. This study will adapt analytical approach as methodology used for this study. This study also utilizes qualitative method of research which focus on gathering and collecting data from publications such as journals, website, articles, books and other publications materials. Furthermore, this research is significant in understanding Islamic elements and philosophy in art to create artists, especially Muslim artist that encompasses Islamic teachings, and further bring upon knowledge (Hikmah) and beauty with them to be shared to the society.

BI'AH AL-LUGHAWIYAH MODULE TO ENHANCE ARABIC SPEAKING SKILLS AMONG UNISIRAJ STUDENTS: A DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT STUDY

Noor Husna Talib — 2026-06-28

The linguistic environment constitutes a fundamental component in foreign language acquisition, particularly in non-native settings where learners have limited opportunities to use the target language beyond the classroom. This study aims to analyze the linguistic needs of students and develop a comprehensive linguistic environment module, titled “Bi’ah Al-Lughawiyyah” (The Linguistic Environment), for diploma and degree students at Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin (UniSIRAJ). The target group comprised students from the Fakulti Pengajian Islam (FPI) and the Fakulti Al-Quran & Sunnah (FQS). Employing the Design and Development Research (DDR) methodology, this study utilized the ADDIE instructional design model, focusing on the Analysis, Design, and Development phases. The needs analysis revealed a clear gap between students’ high motivation to learn and use Arabic and their low level of actual Arabic use in daily campus communication. Specifically, students reported limited opportunities to use Arabic outside the classroom, low confidence in speaking, fear of making mistakes, and a need for practical communicative expressions related to everyday and academic contexts. In response to these findings, the module was designed based on Stephen Krashen’s Input Hypothesis (i+1) and Task-Based Language Teaching (TBLT), integrated with selected values derived from the Prophetic Sunnah to foster a psychologically safe and supportive learning environment. The developed module consists of four interrelated components: psychological and social development, academic empowerment, professional readiness, and comprehensive campus-based practice. Findings from the expert validation phase involving two experts in Arabic language education and instructional material development indicated positive agreement regarding the module’s suitability and relevance to students’ identified needs. The study concludes that the developed module has strong potential to address students’ linguistic needs and support Arabic communicative practice within a structured linguistic environment. Further implementation and evaluation studies are recommended to examine the effectiveness of the module in enhancing Arabic speaking skills.

ملخص البحث

تُعَدُّ البيئة اللغوية مكوّناً أساسياً في اكتساب اللغات الأجنبية، ولا سيما في البيئات غير الناطقة باللغة الهدف، حيث تكون فرص استخدام اللغة خارج قاعات الدراسة محدودة. وتهدف هذه الدراسة إلى تحليل الاحتياجات اللغوية لدى الطلبة، ثم تطوير وحدة تعليمية متكاملة بعنوان "البيئة اللغوية" لطلبة الدبلوم والبكالوريوس في جامعة الملك السيد سراج الدين الإسلامية العالمية (UniSIRAJ). وتتمثل الفئة المستهدفة في طلبة كلية الدراسات الإسلامية (FPI) وكلية القرآن والسنة (FQS). واعتمدت الدراسة منهجية البحث التصميمي والتطويري (DDR)، مستندة إلى نموذج ADDIE للتصميم التعليمي، مع التركيز على مراحل التحليل والتصميم والتطوير. وقد كشفت نتائج تحليل الاحتياجات عن وجود فجوة واضحة بين ارتفاع دافعية الطلبة نحو تعلم اللغة العربية واستخدامها، وانخفاض مستوى استخدامها الفعلي في التواصل اليومي داخل البيئة الجامعية. كما أظهرت النتائج محدودية فرص استخدام اللغة العربية خارج قاعات الدراسة، وضعف الثقة في التحدث، والخوف من الوقوع في الأخطاء، والحاجة إلى تعبيرات تواصلية عملية مرتبطة بالسياقات اليومية والأكاديمية. واستجابة لهذه النتائج، صُممت الوحدة التعليمية في ضوء فرضية المدخل اللغوي (i+1) لستيفن كراشن، ومدخل التعليم القائم على المهام (TBLT)، مع دمج مجموعة من القيم المستمدة من السنة النبوية بهدف توفير بيئة تعليمية آمنة وداعمة نفسياً. وتتكون الوحدة المطورة من أربعة محاور مترابطة، هي: البناء النفسي والاجتماعي، والتمكين الأكاديمي، والاستعداد المهني، والتطبيق الشامل داخل البيئة الجامعية. وأظهرت نتائج التحكيم التي شارك فيها خبيران متخصصان في تعليم اللغة العربية وتطوير المواد التعليمية توافقاً إيجابياً حول ملاءمة الوحدة وارتباطها بالاحتياجات الفعلية للطلبة. وتخلص الدراسة إلى أن الوحدة المطورة تمتلك إمكانات واعدة في تلبية الاحتياجات اللغوية لدى الطلبة ودعم الممارسة التواصلية باللغة العربية ضمن بيئة لغوية منظمة. وتوصي الدراسة بإجراء دراسات لاحقة لتنفيذ الوحدة وتقويم أثرها في تحسين مهارات التحدث باللغة العربية.